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Portland Truck Accident Lawyer
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Experienced Portland Truck Accident Lawyers
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in truck accidents in Portland. Call (971) 339-8080 for a free consultation today.
Portland, Oregon sees its fair share of truck accidents each year. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles can have severe consequences for those involved.
Based on data from the Oregon Department of Transportation, there were 206 truck crashes in Portland in 2020, with approximately half of them (107) resulting in injuries. [1]
Goldberg & Loren represent clients who have been injured in truck accidents in Portland, OR. We are equipped to handle trucking companies and their insurance carriers, and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call us today at (971) 339-8080 for a Free Consultation.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
Settlement
A commercial truck driver collided with our client's vehicle while exceeding the speed limit and failing to maintain a safe distance from others. As a result, our client sustained several fractures, a concussion, and additional serious injuries.
March 2024
Settlement
A commercial truck crashed into a passenger car operated by a 35-year-old man, accompanied by his 37-year-old wife. Witnesses stated that the truck was traveling at high speed and did not stop for a red light, resulting in a devastating impact.
April 2024
What is Considered a Truck Accident?
A truck accident involves any type of large commercial truck, like an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or delivery truck.
The negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or a mechanical failure can cause these accidents.
Commercial truck accidents can be very serious, and often result in severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, reach out to our experienced truck accident lawyers in Portland for effective legal representation.
Over the last decade, truck accidents in Portland have consistently risen. Between 2009 and 2019, these incidents surged by approximately 34.93%. [2]
Truck accidents encompass a variety of scenarios, each with its own unique circumstances and causes. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions can happen due to factors such as sudden braking, distracted driving, or tailgating.
- Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other, resembling the angle of a partially open jackknife. This often occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out of control, typically due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
- Underride Accidents: In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. This type of accident can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle. Underride guards are intended to prevent these accidents but may fail or be absent.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof. Accidents can be caused by factors like speeding, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or improper cargo loading.
- Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks require a significant amount of space to make turns, and when they attempt to turn in tight spaces, they may collide with nearby vehicles or objects. This type of accident is often referred to as a “squeeze play” or “right-turn” accident.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, particularly on the right side and directly behind the vehicle. Accidents can occur when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in their blind spot and changes lanes or merges, resulting in a collision.
- Cargo Spills: Improperly secured cargo can shift or spill onto the roadway, posing a hazard to other vehicles. Spilled cargo can cause accidents and injuries, especially if it blocks traffic.
- Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to accidents. Factors contributing to tire blowouts include worn tires, overloading, improper tire maintenance, or road debris.
- Hazardous Material Accidents: Trucks transporting hazardous materials pose additional risks in the event of an accident. Spills or leaks of hazardous materials can result in chemical exposure, fires, explosions, and environmental damage.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide. While less common for trucks due to their size and visibility, head-on collisions involving trucks can be devastating due to the truck’s weight and force.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be sleepy at the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, or other passengers in the vehicle.
- Speeding: Truck drivers may be tempted to speed in order to make deliveries on time.
- Reckless Driving: Truck drivers may engage in aggressive or reckless driving, such as tailgating or changing lanes without signaling.
- Improper Maintenance: Trucking companies may fail to properly maintain their vehicles, leading to mechanical failures.
- Load Shifts: If a truck’s load is not secured properly, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to lose control.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Portland
According to data collected in 2021, the number of truck-related fatalities and accidents has risen significantly over the past decade. In fact, truck accidents now account for nearly 60% of all fatal traffic crashes in the state highways. [3]
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Portland, take certain steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights. Here’s what to do after a truck accident:
- Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
- Move to Safety: If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call the Police: Contact law enforcement to report the accident. A police officer will arrive at the scene to assess the situation, document the accident, and create an official report.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. Gather their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy details, and trucking company information (if applicable).
- Document the Scene: Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This can be useful evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Obtain Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witness testimony can help corroborate your account of the events leading up to the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can ensure you receive the necessary treatment and document your injuries for insurance purposes.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant details and cooperate with their investigation.
- Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer: Consider consulting with our experienced truck accident lawyers in Portland. We can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
- Follow-Up on Medical Treatment: Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan. Document your medical expenses and any other damages resulting from the accident.
Common Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents in Portland
Here’s an extended list of common types of injuries that can occur in truck accidents in Portland:
- Amputations
- Burns
- Concussions
- Crush injuries
- Dental injuries
- Facial injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Joint injuries (such as dislocations)
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Psychological trauma (such as PTSD)
- Rib and chest injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
These injuries can vary in severity from minor to catastrophic and may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention promptly and consult with our truck accident lawyers to understand your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents
If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Under Oregon law, the family of a deceased victim can recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
Our wrongful death attorney can assist you with the legal process and protect your rights.
Table of Contents
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Experienced Portland Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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What is Considered a Truck Accident?
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Portland
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Common Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents in Portland
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Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents
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Compensation Available for Truck Crash Victims in Portland
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Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident in Portland?
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The Statute of Limitations in Oregon for Truck Accidents
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Tricks Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies Play in Portland
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What Not to Do After an Accident with a Truck in Portland?
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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How Goldberg & Loren Can Help With Your Portland Truck Accident Claim
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Sources
Compensation Available for Truck Crash Victims in Portland
Truck crash victims in Portland may be entitled to various types of compensation for their injuries, losses, and damages resulting from the accident.
Here are some of the types of compensation available for truck crash victims, along with a brief explanation of each:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses includes reimbursement for past and future medical bills related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the truck crash. This may include hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: Victims of truck crashes may be compensated for the wages they lost due to missed work time resulting from their injuries. This includes compensation for both past and future lost income, including reduced earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to their previous occupation or requires accommodations due to their injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate victims for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish they experienced as a result of the truck crash. The damages can vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for loss of consortium may be available to spouses of truck crash victims for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support resulting from the victim’s injuries or death.
- Property Damage: Victims of truck crashes may be compensated for the damage to their vehicle or other property resulting from the accident. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases involving egregious misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
The specific types and amounts of compensation available in Portland may vary depending on the circumstances of the case or the severity of the injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident in Portland?
Several parties may be held liable for a truck accident in Portland, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some potential parties that could be held liable for a truck accident:
- Truck Driver: The truck driver may be held liable for a truck accident if their negligent actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws, contributed to the accident.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the truck driver may also be held liable for a truck accident if it can be shown that the company’s negligence, such as inadequate training, improper maintenance of the truck, or unrealistic schedules, contributed to the accident.
- Truck Owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a separate entity from the trucking company or leased from another party, the truck owner may be held liable for the accident if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle or ensure that it was operated safely.
- Truck Manufacturer: In some cases, a defective truck part or component, such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms, may contribute to a truck accident. In such cases, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable for the accident under product liability laws.
- Cargo Loading Company: If the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded or secured and this contributed to the accident, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable for the accident.
- Government Entities: In cases where road conditions or signage contributed to the accident, government entities responsible for road maintenance or design may be held liable for the accident under premises liability or negligence laws.
Consulting with our experienced commercial vehicle collision lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for holding the responsible parties accountable for injuries and damages.
The Statute of Limitations in Oregon for Truck Accidents
In Portland, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those related to truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured in a truck accident in Portland typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. [4]
There are some exceptions and nuances to the Statute of Limitations for truck accident claims in Portland. For example:
- Discovery Rule: In cases where the injury resulting from the truck accident was not immediately apparent, the Statute of Limitations may begin to run from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.
- Minor Plaintiffs: If the injured party is a minor (under the age of 18) at the time of the truck accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of 18. Once the minor turns 18, they typically have two years from that date to file a personal injury claim.
- Government Claims: If the truck accident involves a government entity or employee, such as a city, county, or state agency, there may be specific notice requirements and shorter timeframes for filing claims. In Oregon, individuals may be required to provide notice of their claim within 180 days of the date of the accident.
Consult with our experienced personal injury lawyer in Portland as soon as possible after the accident. We will review the details of your case, identify the relevant Statute of Limitations, and file your claim within the necessary timeframe to safeguard your legal rights.
Tricks Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies Play in Portland
If the driver of the commercial vehicle is a CDL driver, there are some common tricks that are played.
The company may try to get the driver’s logs altered. The problem with this is that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are very specific about what needs to be logged, and how it needs to be logged. If these logs are altered, it can invalidate them.
The company may also try to intimidate the victim into taking a low offer. The problem with this is that they do this in order to try to get the victim to take less money than they are entitled to.
In the event of a traffic collision involving a commercial vehicle, consult with our skilled personal injury attorney in Portland to address your case and protect your rights.
What Not to Do After an Accident with a Truck in Portland
After an accident with a truck in Portland, avoid certain actions that could potentially harm your health, safety, or legal rights. Here’s a list of things not to do after an accident with a truck:
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability, as this could negatively impact your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Do Not Leave the Scene: Stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives and you’ve exchanged information with the other parties involved. Leaving the scene of an accident could result in legal consequences.
- Do Not Neglect Medical Attention: Even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment could worsen your condition or affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Do Not Engage in Arguments: Avoid engaging in arguments or confrontations with the truck driver, passengers, or other parties involved in the accident. Remain calm and cooperative, but refrain from discussing fault or making accusations.
- Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: Be cautious about signing any documents, statements, or releases from insurance companies or other parties without consulting with a personal injury lawyer. These documents could potentially limit your ability to seek compensation or affect the outcome of your claim.
- Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster: Refrain from providing a recorded statement or discussing the details of the accident with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you to minimize or deny your claim.
- Do Not Forego Legal Representation: Consider consulting with our experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in truck accidents. We can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
How Goldberg & Loren Can Help With Your Portland Truck Accident Claim
Goldberg & Loren can provide invaluable assistance with your Portland truck accident claim by offering comprehensive legal representation tailored to your specific needs. Here’s how Goldberg & Loren can help:
- Legal Expertise: With over 30 years of experience, Goldberg & Loren has a deep understanding of truck accident laws and regulations in Portland. Our skilled attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of truck accident cases effectively.
- Investigation: Goldberg & Loren will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your truck accident.
This entails collecting evidence, examining police reports, speaking with witnesses, and evaluating the severity of your injuries and damages in order to construct a solid case in your favor. - Resource Accessibility: We can provide you with various resources like accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists to assist with your case.
We leverage these resources to strengthen your claim and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. - Negotiation: Goldberg & Loren will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf. Our skilled negotiators will advocate fiercely to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, Goldberg & Loren is prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have a successful track record in court and will provide representation to protect your rights and seek justice.
- Personalized Attention: At Goldberg & Loren, we prioritize personalized attention and communication with our clients.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Goldberg & Loren operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs for our legal services. We only get paid if we secure a favorable outcome for your case, either through a settlement or court award.
Book a free consultation today!
Sources:
[1] 2020 OREGON TRAFFIC CRASH SUMMARY. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2020.pdf
[2] Unit, O. C. A. R. (2010, September 1). 2009 Oregon Traffic Crash Summary. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/6213
[3] Transportation Data Section Crash Analysis and Reporting Unit. (n.d.). oregon.gov. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2021.pdf
[4] Oregon Gov. (n.d.-b). https://www.osbplf.org/assets/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
Being injured in a commercial vehicle accident can leave you and your family with many questions. Besides the pain and suffering and possible death, you need to know who will pay for damages, medical bills, lost wages, and more. We can help you make sense of your truck accident while fighting for maximum compensation.
We Represent Clients Injured in Truck Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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